US Bridges

County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson

Fair

Larimer County, Colorado · Horseshoe Bend RD · Structure no. LR43-3.5-61

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
58 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
667
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson in Larimer County, Colorado. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger than the Colorado average of 42.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 667 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 834 by 2042. The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty RD 43
CrossesN. Fork Big Thompson
LocationHorseshoe Bend RD
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyLarimer County
StateColorado
Coordinates40.45418, -105.44739
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckOther
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length58 ft (17.6 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic667 (2023)
Projected traffic834 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson carry?

About 667 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson?

The structure is 58 ft (17.6 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 43 over N. Fork Big Thompson?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.